Two deaths from brain-eating amoeba linked to sinus remedy for colds.

U.S state issues health warning after neti pot is linked to two deaths

By CLAIRE BATES
Last updated at 2:28 PM on 16th December 2011

A sinus-flushing device used to relieve colds and allergies has been linked to a deadly brain-eating amoeba.
Louisiana’s state health department issued a warning about neti pots – which look like mini watering cans, that are used by pouring salty water through one nostril.

It follows two recent deaths – a 51-year-old woman and a 20-year-old man from the ‘brain-eating amoeba’ Naegleria fowleri. It is thought the amoeba entered their brains when they used the devices.

Both victims are thought to have used tap water, instead of distilled or sterilised water as recommended by the manufacturers.
Dr Raoult Ratard, Louisiana State Epidemiologist, said: ‘If you are irrigating, flushing, or rinsing your sinuses, for example, by using a neti pot, use distilled, sterile or previously boiled water to make up the irrigation solution.

‘Tap water is safe for drinking, but not for irrigating your nose.’

He added that it is important to rinse the irrigation device after each use and leave open to air dry.

Half of all orange juice served in cafes…

According to The Department of Health and Hospitals in Louisiana, the amoeba causes the disease primary amebic meningoencephalitis, a brain infection that leads to the destruction of brain tissue.
In its early stages, symptoms may be similar to symptoms of bacterial meningitis and can include headache, fever, nausea, vomiting and stiff neck. Later symptoms include confusion, loss of balance, seizures and hallucinations.
After the start of symptoms, the disease progresses rapidly and usually causes death within one to 12 days…

Read more.

On a related note, daily use of neti pots can be risky too.

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Bottom Line: Use only distilled or boiled water and non-iodized salt with your neti pot!  It might also be best to use neti pots only while you are actually sick, or feel that you’re about to become ill, and not use it on a daily basis.

I use a neti pot, but rarely…it’s as close to being water-boarded as I ever want to come.

~ Roger

Wolsey is the author of Kissing Fish: christianity for people who don’t like christianity